Apparatus, systems and methods to communicate received commands from a receiving device to a mobile device

ABSTRACT

A receiving device embodiment receives a user command from an external source. The user command is directed to a remote target destination. A first interactive programming command communicator embodiment generates a mobile device command from the received user command, and communicates the mobile device command to a mobile device. A second interactive programming command communicator embodiment receives the mobile device command from the receiving device. A target destination is identified from information in the mobile device command, and information from the mobile device command is communicated to the target destination.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/924,464, filed Oct. 25, 2007, currently allowed, where thisapplication is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

The technical field relates to systems and methods for program contentreceiving devices and, more particularly, to apparatus, systems, andmethods to communicate received commands from a receiving device to amobile device.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Apparatus, systems, and methods for communicating programming aredisclosed. According to one embodiment, a method includes receiving witha receiving device a user command from an external source, the usercommand directed to a remote target destination, generating a mobiledevice command from the received user command, and communicating themobile device command to a mobile device.

According to another embodiment, a method includes receiving a mobiledevice command from a receiving device, identifying a target destinationfrom information in the mobile device command, and communicatinginformation from the mobile device command to the target destination.

According to another embodiment, a receiving device operable tocommunicate with mobile devices includes a programming interfaceconfigured to receive programming from a program source, a commandreceiver configured to receive a user command from an external source, aprocessing system operable, upon receiving the user command, toconstruct a mobile device command directed to a remote targetdestination, and a mobile device interface configured to communicate themobile device command to a mobile device.

According to yet another embodiment, a mobile device operable tocommunicate with receiving devices and target destinations includes areceiving device interface configured to receive a mobile device commandfrom a receiving device, a processing system operable to identify atarget destination based upon the received mobile device command, and atransceiver configured to communicate information corresponding to themobile device command to the identified target destination.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale relative toeach other. Like reference numerals designate corresponding partsthroughout the several views.

FIG. 1 is an overview block diagram illustrating an exemplarycommunication network.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating embodiments of interactiveprogramming command communicators operating in a programmingenvironment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a receiving device.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a mobile device.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a process used by an embodiment of aninteractive programming command communicator of a receiving device.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process used by an embodiment of aninteractive programming command communicator of a mobile device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is an overview block diagram illustrating an exemplarycommunication network 102 in which embodiments of interactiveprogramming command communicators 100 a, 100 b may be implemented. FIG.1 is just one example of a communications network 102 and that thevarious embodiments discussed herein are not limited to this exemplarynetwork.

A first interactive programming command communicator 100 a is coupled toa receiving device 118, for example, a set top box or the like. Thefirst interactive programming command communicator 100 a may optionallybe implemented inside or outside of receiving device 118. The receivingdevice 118 is configured to receive programming and present theprogramming to a user. The receiving device 118 is further configured toaccept from a user, an input command directed to a remote targetdestination. The first interactive programming command communicator 100a is configured to generate a mobile device command that corresponds tothe input command from the user. The mobile device command is passed viathe first interactive programming command communicator 100 a to a secondinteractive programming command communicator 100 b.

The second interactive programming command communicator 100 b is coupledto a mobile device 140, for example, a mobile phone or the like. Thesecond interactive programming command communicator 100 b may beoptionally implemented inside or outside of mobile device 140. Thesecond interactive programming command communicator 100 b is operable toreceive a mobile device command from the first interactive programmingcommand communicator 100 a. The second interactive programming commandcommunicator 100 b is further operable to process the mobile devicecommand from the first interactive programming command communicator 100a and to transmit a corresponding command to a remote target destination142. The mobile device command received by interactive programmingcommand communicator 100 b may be arranged such that information in themobile device command is communicable by the mobile device 140 to thetarget destination 142 with minimal additional processing.

Communication network 102 can include a variety of communication systemsand can use a variety of communication media including, but not limitedto, satellite wireless media. In one non-limiting example, thecommunications network 102 may include a land-based cable infrastructure144. In another non-limiting example, communications network 102 mayinclude an uplink dish 110, a satellite 112, and a downlink dish 114.

Program distributors 106 use communication system 108 to provide theircustomers with a multitude of audio/video and/or data programming attheir premises 116. The programming provided by program distributors 106may originate from one or more content providers 104 a-104 i, one ormore information providers 138 a-138 i, and/or from a programdistributor 106 itself. The programming is received at the customerpremises 116 via a receiving device 118 which may be communicativelycoupled to a presentation device 120 configured to receive and presentthe programming.

Receiving device 118 interconnects to one or more communications mediaand/or programming delivery systems (such as a cable head-end, satelliteantenna, telephone company switch, Ethernet portal, off-air antenna, orthe like) that propagate and/or deliver the programming. The receivingdevice 118 commonly receives a plurality of programming by way of thecommunications media and/or programming delivery systems. From theplurality of programming, a user may select specific programming tohear, view, and/or otherwise process. Based upon a user's selection, thereceiving device 118 processes and communicates the selected programmingto one or more presentation devices 120.

Receiving device 118 may be interchangeably referred to by a generaldevice description such as a “television converter,” “receiver,”“set-top box,” “television receiving device,” “television receiver,”“programming receiver,” “television recording device,” “satelliteset-top box,” “satellite receiver,” “cable set-top box,” “cablereceiver,” and/or “television tuner.” Accordingly, the receiving device118 may be any suitable converter device or electronic equipment that isoperable to receive programming. Further, the receiving device 118 mayitself include user interface devices, such as buttons or switches. Inmany applications, the receiving device 118 (and also the presentationdevice 120, and/or other user devices 122) may be controlled by a remotedevice 128 in such a manner as to provide enhanced functionality and/oran enhanced presentation of the programming to a user.

The customer of the programming distributor 106 may be an individualperson, a business, or any other entity that subscribes to programmingfrom the program distributor 106. In contrast, a user of the programming(a “user”) may be a customer of the program distributor 106, but theuser is not necessarily a customer. Thus, it is to be appreciated that auser is any person, electronic device, or other entity that hears, sees,or otherwise processes the programming delivered to the customerpremises 116.

The customer premises 116 where the receiving device 118 is located maybe a business, home, multiple dwelling unit, or other facility to whichthe programming is delivered. In many implementations, one or morepresentation devices 120 are located in or near a customer's premises116 and are communicatively coupled directly or indirectly to thereceiving device 118.

Examples of a presentation device 120 include, but are not limited to, atelevision (TV), a personal computer (PC), a sound system receiver, adigital video recorder (DVR), a compact disk (CD) device, a game system,or the like. Presentation devices 120 may employ a display 124, one ormore speakers 126, or other output devices to communicate video, audio,and/or data content to a user.

Some customer premises 116 include an optional network 136, or anetworked system, to which receiving devices 118, presentation devices120, and/or a variety of user devices 122 (collectively referred to asendpoint devices), can be coupled. Non-limiting examples of network 136include, but are not limited to, an Ethernet, twisted pair Ethernet, anintranet, a local area network (LAN) system, or the like. One or moreendpoint devices, such as PCs 132, telephonic systems 134, data storagedevices, TVs, game systems, sound system receivers, Internet connectiondevices, digital subscriber loop (DSL) devices, wireless LAN, WiFi,Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax), or otherintermediary devices 130, are communicatively coupled to network 136 sothat the plurality of endpoint devices are communicatively coupledtogether. Thus, the network 136 allows the interconnected endpointdevices, and the receiving device 118, to communicate with each other.

Subscribing customers may receive interactive programming from contentproviders 104 a-104 i, information providers 138 a-138 i, and/or programdistributors 106. The interactive programming permits a user to act inresponse to the interactive programming. For example, the interactiveprogramming may permit a user to respond by communicating via a mobiledevice 140 back to a target destination 142. The target destination 142may be any one or group of content providers 104 a-104 i, informationproviders 138 a-138 i, program distributors 106, individuals, or otherentities.

Interactive programming, within the context of the various embodimentsdescribed herein, is programming that provides a mechanism to invoke aresponse from a user hearing, viewing, or processing the programming.The response may be immediate or latent. Non-limiting examples ofinteractive programming are television shows and/or advertising thatinclude an electronic address (e.g. a website, email address, and/or thelike), a telephone number, or other means intended to encourage a userto interactively respond. Some examples of interactive programminginclude, but are not limited to, advertising that offers items orservices for sale to users, information services that provide additionalinformation to interested users, and/or competitions that encourageusers to cast votes. Another example of interactive programming is anyprogramming perceived by a user who finds the programming compellingenough to want to share with others. Interactive programming is notnecessarily identifiable by a single test, but instead is conceptual andmay be subjective to those that provide and/or perceive it.

The interactive programming command communicator 100 a enables areceiving device 118 to communicatively couple with a mobile device 140to facilitate a user's response to interactive programming. When a userresponds to the interactive programming by issuing a user commanddirected to a remote target destination, the interactive programmingcommand communicator 100 a processes the user command and generates amobile device command. Upon generating the mobile device command, theinteractive programming command communicator 100 a communicates themobile device command to the mobile device 140.

Non-limiting examples of mobile devices 140 are cell phones, personalmedia players (PMP's), personal digital assistants (PDA's), laptopcomputers, handheld personal computers (HPC's), and the like. Suchmobile devices 140 may permit a user of the mobile device toelectronically send, receive, create, edit, and manage information.Embedded in, or coupled to, a mobile device 140 is an interactiveprogramming command communicator 100 b. The interactive programmingcommand communicator 100 b is operable to receive a mobile devicecommand from the interactive programming command communicator 100 a ofreceiving device 118. The interactive programming command communicator100 b is further operable to format and/or process the mobile devicecommand for communication by the mobile device 140 to the targetdestination 142. For example, the interactive programming commandcommunicator 100 b may add user and/or routing information, packetize,and/or otherwise process the information in the mobile device commandbefore the mobile device 140 communicates the command to the targetdestination 142.

Thus, within the context of the various embodiments described herein, amobile device command is generated by a receiving device 118 when a userissues a user command in response to interactive programming. Thegenerated mobile device command is communicated via the firstinteractive programming command communicator 100 a of the receivingdevice 118 to the second interactive programming command communicator100 b of the mobile device 140. Upon receipt of the mobile devicecommand, the mobile device 140 processes and sends information asdirected by the mobile device command to a target destination 142.

The interactive programming command communicators 100 a, 100 b maycommunicatively couple to each other via one or more wireless protocols,for example, but not limited to, Bluetooth, infrared, UHF, or the like.For example, in some embodiments, the mobile device 140 has a Bluetoothradio chipset that is operatively used by interactive programmingcommand communicator 100 b to communicate with a corresponding Bluetoothradio chipset used by interactive programming command communicator 100a. In some embodiments, the communicative coupling between interactiveprogramming command communicators 100 a, 100 b is based on proximity,signal availability, and/or the like.

Alternatively, or additionally, interactive programming commandcommunicators 100 a, 100 b may communicatively couple to each other viaone or more physical mediums and protocols such as, but not limited to,USB, IEEE 1394 (FireWire), Ethernet, twisted pair, and the like. Forexample, a mobile device 140 may be docked in a cradle coupled to thereceiving device 118 via a USB cable. In some embodiments, thecommunicative coupling between interactive programming commandcommunicators 100 a, 100 b only occurs when the mobile device 140 isphysically coupled to the receiving device 118.

In some embodiments, the mobile device 140 has non-cellular radiochipset. The mobile device 140 may then communicate to the targetdestination 142 via a medium such as a private radio link, an openformat radio link, or another digital and/or analog medium.

In some embodiments, the mobile device 140 has an integrated cellularradio chipset. Thus, communication of a command by the mobile device 140to the target destination 142 may be via a medium such as, but notlimited to, a cellular network, or the like. The cellular radio chipsetis configured to facilitate communication of commands over a cellularnetwork or the like.

A cellular network is broadly encompassed within the communicationsystem 108. The cellular network may be any available network suitablefor transmitting and receiving data between mobile and/or fixed pointdevices, or the cellular network may be dedicated to a primary purposeof delivering the information to known cellular subscribers and/orreceiving information from known cellular subscribers. Accordingly,cellular subscribers may receive and transmit information between amobile device 140 and the target destination 142. It is to beappreciated that the cellular network may include both wired andwireless infrastructure; for example, transceivers, repeaters, switches,antennas, access points, routers, public switched telephone networks,codecs, multiplexers, de-multiplexers, and the like.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating embodiments of interactiveprogramming command communicators 100 a, 100 b operating in aprogramming environment. A user issues interactive programming commands,which are communicated to target destinations 142 via programmingcommunications system 200. Programming communications system 200 is apart of communication system 108 (FIG. 1). In addition to the exemplarytarget destinations 142 shown in FIG. 2, programming communicationssystem 200 is further operable to communicate a variety of interactiveprogramming and interactive user commands to a variety of targetdestinations.

As noted above, when program distributors 106 provide users withinteractive programming, the interactive programming is communicated toreceiving devices 118 via communications systems 108. As illustrated inFIG. 2, a user may affirmatively respond to the interactive programmingby inputting a user command into a device communicatively coupled toreceiving device 118.

The user's command may be generated by an external source andcommunicated to the receiving device 118 by the external source.Examples of external sources suitable for generating and communicatinguser commands include, but are not limited to, a remote control 128,other keyed input devices (not shown), and/or other controllers of thepresentation device 120 (FIG. 1) and/or receiving device 118. In someembodiments, a software algorithm system (not shown) may be used whereina menu or the like is presented to a user. Accordingly, user commandsmay be generated via the displayed menu system.

When a user command is received by the receiving device 118, the usercommand is processed into a mobile device command 220. The mobile devicecommand 220 corresponds to the user command instruction intended by theuser. The mobile device command 220 is then communicated to a mobiledevice 140 via the interactive programming command communicators 100 a,100 b.

After a mobile device 140 receives a mobile device command 220 via theinteractive programming command communicator 100 b, the mobile device140 processes the received mobile device command 220 according to theinformation contained therein. Generally, the information will directthe mobile device 140 to generate a command and communicate the commandto a target destination 142. In some embodiments, the command includessome or all of the information from the received mobile device command220.

To communicate the command to the target destination 142, the mobiledevice 140 will initiate a call to the target destination 142. The callmay be made immediately, or may be made at a different time. After thecall is initiated, the mobile device 140 delivers the command to thetarget destination 142.

Several examples of interactive programming command communication arenow described. These examples are merely non-limiting examples of howuser commands may be generated and then communicated through theprogramming communications system 200.

In a first example, display 124 a shows a presentation of interactiveprogramming communicated by program distributor 106 via communicationsystem 108, receiving device 118, and presentation device 120. In thisexample, a content provider 104 a or information provider 138 a isadvertising an item available for purchase by a user. The item may beany good, service, and/or other vendible available from a vendor. Theuser is inspired by the interactive programming and enters an orderand/or purchase command into the receiving device 118 to cause deliveryof the item ordered and/or purchased. The user enters the order and/orpurchase command via an external source, for example, a remote control128.

Upon receiving the user command, the receiving device 118 formats amobile device command 220 for communication to a mobile device 140. Thereceiving device 118 communicatively couples with the mobile device 140for communication via interactive programming command communicators 100a, 100 b. The mobile device command 220 is communicated from interactiveprogramming command communicator 100 a to interactive programmingcommand communicator 100 b such that the mobile device command 220 isreceived by the mobile device 140.

The mobile device 140 processes the mobile device command 220 accordingto the order and/or purchase information therein and generates a messagecommand for a target destination 142. In the example discussed, the userhas commanded an order and/or purchase, and the target destination 142is the program distributor 106. Thus, the mobile device 140 communicatesa message command to the program distributor 106.

The program distributor 106, upon receiving the message from the mobiledevice 140, formats and sends an interactive programming command order204 to a vendor 208 of the goods or services desired by the user. Insome variations of this example, the message command from the mobiledevice 140 may go directly to the vendor 208 without further interactionwith the program distributor 106. In some embodiments, the programdistributor 106 provides the goods or services to the user directlywithout sending a programming command order 204 to another vendor 208.Namely, in some cases, the vendor is the program distributor 106, and insome cases, the vendor is some other entity.

In some embodiments, the program distributor 106 may prepare aninteractive programming command invoice 206 for communication back tothe user. The program distributor 106 may generate programming commandinvoice 206 based on personal user information 314 a (FIG. 3)communicated in the mobile device command or communicated in theformatted message from the mobile device 140. Alternatively, or inaddition, the program distributor 106 may generate programming commandinvoice 206 based on information known about the customer of the programdistributor 106.

In another example, display 124 b shows a presentation of interactiveprogramming communicated by a program distributor 106 via communicationssystem 108 and receiving device 118. In this example, a content provider104 a or information provider 13 8 a is presenting a series ofperformances and encouraging users to vote for their favorite. A userinspired by the interactive programming may be able to vote by enteringa vote command with an external source into the receiving device 118.

In some non-limiting embodiments, particular performers may be assigneda particular telephone number and a user may cast a favorable vote bycalling the assigned telephone number. In other non-limitingembodiments, a particular code or web site may be assigned to eachperformance, and a user may be encouraged to transmit the assigned codeor visit the assigned website to cast a favorable vote.

Upon receiving the user's vote command, the receiving device 118 formatsa mobile device command 220 for communication to a mobile device 140.The receiving device 118 communicatively couples with the mobile device140 for communication via interactive programming command communicators100 a, 100 b. The mobile device command 220 is communicated frominteractive programming command communicator 100 a to interactiveprogramming command communicator 100 b such that the mobile devicecommand 220 is received by the mobile device 140.

The mobile device 140 processes the mobile device command 220, accordingto the voting information therein. Subsequently, the mobile device 140generates a message command and communicates the message command to atarget destination 142. In this example, the user voted for aperformance, and the target destination 142 may be one or more of acontent provider 104 a, an information provider 138 a, or some otherentity (not shown).

In some embodiments, the mobile device program logic 410 (FIG. 4) isoperative such that the mobile device 140 may process the mobile devicecommand 220 in enhanced ways that are useful to the user. That is, insome embodiments, the user's vote command is communicated one time, andin other embodiments, the user's vote command may be communicatedmultiple times. In some embodiments, if the target destination 142 isunavailable, the mobile device 140 will automatically and/or manuallydirect message communication retries at one or more later times.

In another example, display 124 c shows a presentation of interactiveprogramming communicated by a program distributor 106 via communicationssystem 108 and receiving device 118. In this example, a programdistributor 106, content provider 104 a, or information provider 138 ais presenting programming that a user finds interesting. The user isinspired by the programming and wants to share the experience withsomeone else.

Accordingly, the user enters a command with an external source into thereceiving device 118. In this example, the command may be formattedusing other features of the receiving device 118 such as “forward,”“rewind,” “cut,” and “paste,” and so may include a clip of theprogramming attached as a still picture or video. Alternatively, or inaddition, the command may include a text message written by the user.Thus, the command embodies the user's desire to send a peer-to-peermessage to another person and/or device through the receiving device 118and mobile device 140.

Non-limiting embodiments of peer-to-peer messages may include electronicmessages communicated by one party to another, e.g., an electronicmessage from the user to one or more other persons and/or devices. Theelectronic messages may be formatted for communication from a mobiledevice 140 to a remote target destination 142 by any acceptable protocoland/or communications standard including, but not limited to, ShortMessage Service (SMS) messaging, information message (IM) messaging,instant messaging, electronic mail (email), and/or the like.

Upon receiving the user's peer-to-peer message command, the receivingdevice 118 generates a mobile device command 220 for communication to amobile device 140. During generation of the mobile device command 220,various pieces of information may be grouped together to form the mobiledevice command 220.

In some embodiments, generation of the mobile device command 220includes identifying an electronic address corresponding to the remotetarget destination 142. In some embodiments the electronic address maybe added to the mobile device command 220 by the user directly or theelectronic address may be retrieved from memory. In some embodiments,the electronic address is stored in the receiving device 118, and insome embodiments, the electronic address is stored in the mobile device140.

In some embodiments, generation of the mobile device command 220includes adding a user message to the mobile device command 220. Forexample, a user may type a text message into the user command that willbe included in the mobile device command 220, and the text message maybe communicated to the remote target destination 142. In someembodiments, pre-stored text phrases or other images may be retrievedfrom memory in the receiving device 118 and/or the mobile device 140.

In some embodiments, generation of the mobile device command 220includes adding protocol information to the mobile device command 220 toidentify a protocol that may be used to forward the message to theremote target destination 142. For example, the protocol information maydirect the mobile device 140 to communicate the message to the remotetarget destination as an electronic mail message.

In some embodiments, generation of the mobile device command 220includes adding an image and/or video clip into the mobile devicecommand. The image and/or video clip may be added as data correspondingto the image and/or video clip.

In some embodiments, protocol information may be added to the mobiledevice command 220 to identify a type of program that may be used topresent the image and/or video clip on a presentation device at theremote target destination 142. In one example, image protocolinformation may direct the mobile device 140 to deliver the message tothe remote target destination such that a JPEG format file viewer isused to view the image. In another example, video clip protocolinformation may direct the mobile device 140 to deliver the message tothe remote target destination such that an MPEG format file viewer isused to view the video clip.

In addition to generating the mobile device command 220, which embodiesthe user's peer to peer message, the receiving device 118communicatively couples with the mobile device 140 for communication viainteractive programming command communicators 100 a, 100 b. The mobiledevice command 220 is communicated from interactive programming commandcommunicator 100 a to interactive programming command communicator 100 bsuch that the mobile device command 220 is received by the mobile device140.

The mobile device 140 processes the mobile device command 220 accordingto the peer-to-peer message information therein, and generates a messagefor a target destination 142. In this example, the user wishes to send apeer-to-peer message, and the target destination 142 may be a contentprovider 104 a, an information provider 138 a, an email accountaccessible by a computer 232, another mobile device 240, or the like.

It is to be appreciated that the examples described above do notrepresent the full spectrum of commands that a user may generate inresponse to presented interactive programming. Other interactiveprogramming may be presented on a display 124 i, other mobile devicecommands 220 may be operatively directed by a user, and communication ofmessages by the mobile device 140 may be made to other targetdestinations 142.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a receiving device 118. Receivingdevice 118 comprises a system bus 302, a processing system 304, aninterface 306 for receiving interactive programming 312 a via a programdistributor 106 (FIG. 1), a command receiver 308, and a memory 310.Optionally resident in the memory 310 is interactive programming 312 b,which may be received from program distributor 106 as interactiveprogramming 312 a and stored in the memory 310 of receiving device 118.Personal user information 314 a and information formatter logic 316 mayalso be optionally resident in the memory 310.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, processing system304, programming interface 306, command receiver 308, memory 310, andmobile device interface 318 are illustrated as communicatively coupledto each other via system bus 302. System bus 302 thereby providesconnectivity between the above-described components. System bus 302includes any known signal communication architectures. In alternativeembodiments of the receiving device 118, the above-described componentsmay be communicatively coupled in a different manner than illustrated inFIG. 3. For example, one or more of the above-described components maybe directly coupled to other components, or may be coupled to eachother, via intermediary components (not shown). In some embodiments,system bus 302 may be omitted and the components may be coupled directlyto each other using suitable connections.

The mobile device interface 318 in the illustrated embodiments is anoperational part of the interactive programming command communicator 100a. In other embodiments, all or part of the interactive programmingcommand communicator 100 a and/or the mobile device interface 318 mayalternatively be separate from, but coupled to, the receiving device118.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the interactive programmingcommand communicator 100 a is embedded in the receiving device 118 andincludes one or more components of the receiving device 118, such as theprocessing system 304, the memory 310, and the mobile device interface318. It is to be appreciated, however, that other embodiments may couplean external interactive programming command communicator 100 a to thereceiving device 118 instead of embedding the interactive programmingcommand communicator 100 a to the receiving device 118. In someembodiments, the external interactive programming command communicator100 a will share components with the receiving device 118. For example,the processing system 304, the memory 310, and/or the mobile deviceinterface 318 may be integral parts of the receiving device 118 andadditionally operable to perform the tasks of the interactiveprogramming command communicator 100 a.

The processing system 304 includes any known single device, orcombination of devices, for operationally controlling the receivingdevice 118. In some embodiments, the processing system 304 is primarilydedicated to processing a user command and generating a mobile devicecommand 220 for communication to a mobile device 140. In someembodiments, the processing system 304 is primarily dedicated to themain functions of the receiving device 118 (not shown), and theprocessing system 304 is secondarily used to process a user command andgenerate a mobile device command 220 for communication to a mobiledevice 140.

Interactive programming 312 a is receivable over communication system108 by the receiving device 118 via the programming interface 306. Insome embodiments, the communication of interactive programming 312 awith the receiving device 118 may be bi-directional.

The command receiver 308 is operable to receive user commands from anexternal source. The user commands are entered by a user in response tointeractive programming 312 a. FIG. 3 illustrates that command receiver308 is responsive to user commands that are input from a remote control128, however, in other embodiments, different external sources mayprovide user command input to the command receiver 308. For example, keypads, touch screens, software programs, and the like may alternativelyor additionally provide user commands to the command receiver 308.

In some embodiments, the external source of user command input tocommand receiver 308 may be physically separate from receiving device118. For example, FIG. 3 illustrates a remote control 128 that isphysically separate from receiving device 118. In some embodiments, theexternal source of user command input to command receiver 308 may be anintegral part of receiving device 118. For example, in some embodiments,a keypad on the receiving device 118 may provide user command input.

In some non-limiting embodiments, the command receiver 308 is operableto affirmatively acknowledge receipt of the user command input back tothe external source. In one non-limiting example, a keypad on thereceiving device 118 may be operative to input a user command to thecommand receiver 308, and the command receiver 308 may provide anaudible and/or visual output on the receiving device 118.

Upon receipt of a user command, the processing system 304 workscooperatively with memory 310 and other parts of the receiving device118 to process the user command. The memory 310 may be any known memorymechanism. Memory 310 may include either volatile or non-volatilestorage, or both. Memory 310 may optionally store interactiveprogramming 312 b received via program distributor 106, personal userinformation 314 a, and/or information formatter logic 316.

Interactive programming 312 b may be received as interactive programming312 a via the programming interface 306 or some other means (e.g., amemory card, a direct link to another electronic device, etc.).Interactive programming 312 a, 312 b may be communicated to thereceiving device 118 via program distributor 106.

Personal user information 314 a is information useful to uniquelyidentify a user of programming that originates from a programdistributor 106. Personal user information 314 a may optionally include,but is not limited to, additional information about the user such asphysical addresses, credit account information, and/or billing accountinformation.

In some embodiments, information formatter logic 316 may be used byprocessing system 304 to direct the generation of the mobile devicecommand 220. In some embodiments, information formatter logic 316 may becooperatively used by processing system 304 to direct the communicationof the mobile device command 220 to the mobile device 140 via mobiledevice interface 318.

The mobile device interface 318 is optionally part of the interactiveprogramming command communicator 100 a. The interactive programmingcommand communicator 100 a may include, but is not limited to, themobile device interface 318 and/or other hardware and software logicused to communicate input command information to computers, telephones,and other user devices.

A non-limiting example is now presented where a user command may beprocessed by the exemplary embodiment of a receiving device 118illustrated in FIG. 3. In this example, interactive programming 312 a iscommunicated by program distributor 106 over communication system 108and received via programming interface 306. Interactive programming 312a may be stored in memory 310 as interactive programming 312 b. Wheninteractive programming 312 b is subsequently presented on apresentation device 120 (FIG. 1), a particular action may be suggestedin the interactive programming 312 b. If a user of interactiveprogramming 312 b is inspired to take an action suggested in interactiveprogramming 312 b, the user may enter a user command via remote control128.

The command receiver 308 may receive the user command from the remotecontrol 128, and the interactive programming command communicator 100 amay analyze the user command with processing system 304. Workingcooperatively with the memory 310, the processing system 304 maygenerate a mobile device command 220 as directed by informationformatter logic 316.

In some embodiments, some or all of the personal user information 314 astored in receiving device 118 may be embedded in the mobile devicecommand 220 as personal user information 314 b. In some embodiments, nopersonal user information 314 a, 314 b is embedded in mobile devicecommand 220.

The interactive programming command communicator 100 a may thencommunicate the mobile device command 220 to a mobile device 140 via themobile device interface 318. The mobile device 140 may then furtherprocess the received mobile device command 220 and communicateinformation therein to a target destination 142.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a mobile device 140. Mobiledevice 140 comprises a system bus 402, a processing system 404, atransceiver 406, and a memory 408. Resident in the memory 408 is mobiledevice program logic 410. Optionally resident in the memory 408 ispersonal user information 314 b.

In one embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, processing system 404,transceiver 406, memory 408, and receiving device interface 412 areillustrated as communicatively coupled to each other via system bus 402,thereby providing connectivity between the above-described components.System bus 402 includes any known signal communication architectures. Inalternative embodiments of the mobile device 140, the above-describedcomponents may be communicatively coupled in a different manner thanillustrated in FIG. 4. For example, one or more of the above-describedcomponents may be directly coupled to other components, or may becoupled to each other, via intermediary components (not shown). In someembodiments, system bus 402 may be omitted and the components may becoupled directly to each other using suitable connections.

In the embodiment of FIG. 4, a receiving device interface 412 is anintegral part of the interactive programming command communicator 100 b,and interactive programming command communicator 100 b is an integralpart of mobile device 140. It is to be appreciated that in alternateembodiments, all or part of the interactive programming commandcommunicator 100 b and/or receiving device interface 412 mayalternatively be separate from, but coupled to, the mobile device 140.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the interactive programmingcommand communicator 100 b is embedded in the mobile device 140 andincludes one or more components of the mobile device 140 such as theprocessing system 404, the memory 408, and the receiving deviceinterface 412. It is to be appreciated that other embodiments may couplean external interactive programming command communicator 100 b to themobile device 140 instead of embedding the interactive programmingcommand communicator 100 b to the mobile device 140. In someembodiments, the interactive programming command communicator 100 b willshare components with the mobile device 140. For example, the processingsystem 404, the memory 408, and/or the receiving device interface 412.

The processing system 404 includes any known single device, orcombination of devices, for operationally controlling the mobile device140. In some embodiments, the primary purpose of processing system 404is dedicated to process a mobile device command 220 and to generate amessage command for communication to a remote target device 142. In someembodiments, the primary purpose of processing system 404 is for otherfunctions of the mobile device 140 (not shown), and a secondary purposeof the processing system 404 is to process a mobile device command 220and generate a message command for communication to a remote targetdevice 142.

Mobile communications may be executed in a known manner via thetransceiver 406 through communications systems 108. In some non-limitingembodiments, the transceiver 406 may have a cellular radio chipset (notshown). In some non-limiting embodiments, mobile communications may beconducted via a commercially available cell phone 140 over acommercially available cellular network. In other embodiments, the cellphone 140 and cellular network may be customized for communication ofinteractive programming commands.

The interactive programming command communicator 100 b is operable toreceive a mobile device command 220 with the receiving device interface412. In FIG. 4, an embodiment of a mobile device 140 is shown to receivea mobile device command 220 from a receiving device 118.

In other embodiments, a mobile device command 220 may also be acceptedby the interactive programming command communicator 100 b from othersources. For example, mobile device commands 220 may be received fromsources that include, but are not limited to, an input keypad (notshown), a memory card (not shown), or a programmed command received viathe communications transceiver 406.

In some embodiments, the interactive programming command communicator100 b is operable to affirmatively acknowledge a mobile device command220. For example, in some embodiments, after a mobile device command 220is received, the interactive programming command communicator 100 b mayacknowledge receipt of the mobile device command 220 by communicating amessage back to the source of the mobile device command 220. In someembodiments, interactive programming command communicator 100 b mayoutput an audio, visual, or other indicator to acknowledge receipt ofthe mobile device command.

The interactive programming command communicator 100 b receives themobile device command 220 via the receiving device interface 412. Theinteractive programming command communicator 100 b may process themobile device command 220 with the processing system 404, which workscooperatively with memory 408 and other parts of the mobile device 140.

In some embodiments, the processing system 404 may retrieve personaluser information 314 b from memory 408 as part of the processing of themobile device command 220. Personal user information 314 b isinformation useful to uniquely identify a user of programming receivedby receiving device 118. Personal user information 314 b may include,but is not limited to, information about the user such as physicaladdresses, credit account information, and/or billing accountinformation. In some embodiments, the personal user information 314 bincludes all or part of the personal user information 314 a of FIG. 3.Personal user information 314 b may be received in a mobile devicecommand 220 or may be received by some other manner including, but notlimited to, an input keypad (not shown), a memory card (not shown), oran information packet received via the communications transceiver 406.

Mobile device program logic 410 is used by the processing system 404and/or the receiving device interface 412 to process the informationwithin a mobile device command 220. For example, in some embodiments, amobile device command 220 may represent a user command to purchase anitem. Thus, the mobile device logic 410 may be used by the processingsystem 404 and/or the receiving device interface 412 to generate apurchasing message command for communication to a remote targetdestination 142 (FIG. 1). In another non-limiting example, a mobiledevice command 220 may represent a user command to cast a vote.Accordingly, mobile device logic 410 may be used by the processingsystem 404 and/or the receiving device interface 412 to place a call toa particular telephone number associated with a remote targetdestination 142.

The mobile device program logic 410 may include features that enhance auser's interactive experience. In one example, a command entered by theuser may be communicated via the mobile device one time or multipletimes. In another example, the mobile device program logic 410 mayintegrate common mobile device features such as call-retry-on-busy,call-forwarding, and call-block, etc. into the handling of the mobiledevice command 220.

The receiving device interface 412 is optionally part of the interactiveprogramming command communicator 100 b. The interactive programmingcommand communicator 100 b may include the receiving device interface412, the processing system 404, memory 408, and/or other hardware andsoftware logic (not shown) used to act on and/or receive a mobile devicecommand 220.

An example is now presented where a mobile device command 220 may beprocessed by the exemplary embodiment of the mobile device 140illustrated in FIG. 4. In this example, a mobile device command 220 isgenerated when a user of interactive programming 312 a, 312 b (FIG. 3)takes an action suggested in the programming 312 a, 312 b. Via theremote control 128 (FIG. 1), the user may enter a user command, and thereceiving device 118 may generate and communicate a corresponding mobiledevice command 220 to the mobile device 140.

The mobile device command 220 may be received at the mobile device 140with the interactive programming command communicator 100 b viareceiving device interface 412. The processing system 404 may begin toprocess the mobile device command 220. Working cooperatively with thememory 408, the processing system 404 may act according to theinformation in the mobile device command 220, and the processing system404 may initiate a call to a target destination 142 (FIG. 1).Subsequently, the mobile device 140 may then communicate a messagecommand via transceiver 406 and communication system 108 to the targetdestination 142.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are flowcharts 500 and 600, respectively, illustratingprocesses that may be used by embodiments of interactive programmingcommand communicators 100 a, 100 b (FIGS. 3 and 4). In this regard, eachdescribed process may represent a module, segment, or portion of code,which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing thespecified logical function(s). It should also be noted that in someimplementations, the functions noted in the process may occur in adifferent order, may include additional functions, may occurconcurrently, and/or may be omitted.

With respect to FIG. 5, the process 500 is ongoing with operation of theinteractive programming command communicator 100 a (FIG. 3) and isillustrated as starting at 502. At 504, a receiving device 118 receivesa user command. The user command is from a remote control 128, and theuser command is directed to a remote target destination 142 (FIG. 1). At506, the interactive programming command communicator 100 a generates amobile device command 220 from the received user command. At 508, themobile device command 220 is communicated to a mobile device 140. Theprocess ends at 510.

With respect to FIG. 6, the process 600 is ongoing with operation of theinteractive programming command communicator 100 b (FIG. 4) and isillustrated as starting at 602. At 604, a mobile device 140 receives amobile device command 220 from a receiving device 118. Information inthe mobile device command 220 is used at 606 to identify a targetdestination 142 (FIG. 1). At 608, the information from mobile devicecommand 220 is communicated to the target destination 142. The processends at 610.

While various embodiments have been described hereinabove, it is to beappreciated that various changes in form and detail may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention(s) presently orhereafter claimed.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method to wirelessly communicate commandswith a mobile device, comprising: receiving a mobile device command froma set top box, the set top box actively processing and presentingaudio/visual programming content, wherein the received mobile devicecommand includes at least one image from a stream of audio/visualprogramming content presented by the and a text-based phrase selectedfrom a plurality of text-based phrases pre-stored in the mobile device,the text-based phrase associated with the audio/visual programmingcontent, the stream having been modified by at least forwarding orreversing the presentation of the stream or wherein the received mobiledevice command includes a clip of audio/visual programming from thestream of audio/visual programming content presented by the set top boxand a text-based message written by a first user; automaticallyacknowledging receipt of the mobile device command to the set top box;identifying a target destination from information in the mobile devicecommand, the target destination including account information associatedwith a second user; forming a short message service (SMS) message thatincludes both text-based message information from the mobile devicecommand and audio/visual programming information from the mobile devicecommand; and communicating the SMS message from the mobile device to thetarget destination.
 2. The method of claim 1, comprising: receivingpersonal user information, the personal user information uniquelyidentifying a user associated with the set top box; and storing thepersonal user information in the mobile device.
 3. The method of claim2, comprising: retrieving the stored personal user information; andcommunicating the personal user information to the target destination.4. The method of claim 3, comprising: adding an order to purchase from avendor to the information communicated to the target destination.
 5. Themethod of claim 3, comprising: adding a vote to the informationcommunicated to the target destination.
 6. The method of claim 1,comprising: delaying further communication of the mobile device commanduntil a different time.
 7. The method of claim 1 wherein the mobiledevice command is received with a wireless receiver circuit arranged tocommunicate via a Bluetooth frequency.
 8. A wireless mobile deviceoperable to communicate with set top boxes and target destinations,comprising: a set top box interface configured to receive a mobiledevice command from a set top box and configured to automaticallyacknowledge the received mobile device command, the set top box arrangedto process and present audio/visual programming content, wherein thereceived mobile device command includes at least one image from a streamof audio/visual programming content presented by the set top box and atext-based phrase selected from a plurality of text-based phrasespre-stored in the mobile device, the text-based phrase associated withthe audio/visual programming content, the stream having been modified byat least forwarding or reversing the presentation of the stream orwherein the received mobile device command includes a clip ofaudio/visual programming from the stream of audio/visual programmingcontent presented by the set top box and a text-based message written bya first user; a processing system operable to identify a targetdestination based upon the received mobile device command the targetdestination including account information associated with a second user,the processing system further operable to form a short message service(SMS) message that includes both text-based message information from themobile device command and audio/visual programming information from themobile device command; and a transceiver configured to communicate theSMS message from the wireless mobile device toward a second wirelessmobile device associated with the identified target destination.
 9. Thewireless mobile device according to claim 8, comprising: a memory tostore personal user information received from the set top box, whereinthe processing system is further operable to communicate the personaluser information to the target destination.
 10. The wireless mobiledevice according to claim 8 wherein the set top box interface has aBluetooth radio chipset and the set top box is a receiving device. 11.The wireless mobile device according to claim 8 wherein the transceiverhas a cellular radio chipset.
 12. The wireless mobile device accordingto claim 11 wherein the identified target destination is one of anInternet address, an email address, and a telephone number.
 13. Thewireless mobile device according to claim 8 wherein the wireless mobiledevice and the set top box are coupled via a programming commandcommunicator external to the set top box.
 14. A mobile device,comprising: a processing system; a set top box interface configured toreceive a mobile device command from a set top box and configured toautomatically acknowledge the received mobile device command, the settop box arranged to process and present audio/visual programmingcontent, wherein the received mobile device command includes at leastone image from a stream of audio/visual programming content presented bythe set top box and a text-based phrase selected from a plurality oftext-based phrases pre-stored in the mobile device, the text-basedphrase associated with the audio/visual programming content, the streamhaving been modified by at least forwarding or reversing thepresentation of the stream or wherein the received mobile device commandincludes a clip of audio/visual programming from the stream ofaudio/visual programming content presented by the set top box and atext-based message written by a first user; a wireless transceiver; anda memory, the memory arranged to store program logic software, theprogram logic software executable by the processing system and operableto: parse information communicated in the mobile device command; form ashort message service (SMS) message that includes both text-basedmessage information from the mobile device command and audio/visualprogramming information from the mobile device command; identify atarget destination from the parsed information the target destinationincluding account information associated with a second user; andcommunicate the SMS message from mobile device toward a second mobiledevice associated with the target destination.
 15. The mobile deviceaccording to claim 14 wherein the mobile device is at least one of acell phone, a personal media players (PMP), a personal digitalassistants (PDA), a laptop computer, and a handheld personal computers(HPC).
 16. The mobile device according to claim 14 wherein the programlogic software stored in the memory and executable by the processingsystem is further operable to: add a vote to the informationcommunicated to the target destination; and communicate the vote to thetarget destination a user-directable number of times.